About AEAS

The idea of creating the Egyptian-American scholars association
started by a discussion between Dr. Mohamed El-Wakil of Wisconsin
and Dr. Ahmed Shouman of New Mexico in 1968. They both pursued the
formalization of the group supported in Cairo by the Egyptian
government and the Society of Friends of Egyptian Scholars Abroad.
In 1971, fifteen Charter members were declared, and by 1972 the
registration list reached 62 members. In 1973, the Association of
Egyptian-American Scholars in the United States and Canada was
formally established, and by 1974 it was officially incorporated in
the State of Wisconsin, with Dr Mohamed El-Wakil as its President.
Through the years close to 600 scholars have joined the Association,
very many are still active and supportive.

Since 1974, the Association of Egyptian-American Scholars has contributed
abundantly to the scientific and cultural development of Egypt on one hand,
and to the academic collaboration of its members in North America. A few
examples of these achievements are highlighted below:

Through the affiliation of several members with research centers in
US and Canada, an important link has been established between them and Egypt.

Since its birth, the AEAS has maintained strong ties with Friends of
Egyptian Scholars Abroad (FOESA) in Cairo, which helped reunite them occasionally
with the local scholars.

So far, AEAS has participated in ten of the biannual Cairo conference on
"Egypt - The Year 2000," held by FOESA delivering most of the papers there
from overseas and has regularly published those conference proceedings.

Several libraries in Egypt were supplied with books, scientific
periodicals and microfilms. Some members donated their own personal libraries.

Numerous members have participated in United Nation TOKTEN program, which
contributed significantly in transforming technological knowledge through
Egyptian expatriates of North America.

Through distinguished members, AEAS has placed Egypt under a program that
benefit twelve nations in family planning; has helped Egypt to benefit from
several applications of the American satellite research and development; and
has placed Egypt among six countries receiving technical information from the
American Institute of World Resources.

Members gave several gifts (i.e. needed equipment/spare parts) to Egypt's
universities and centers; and others donated money to cultural and charitable
organizations, pharmaceutical chemicals were donated to the Cairo National
Research Center, a bilingual computer/printer were offered to FOESA to assist
in preparing Cairo conference.

AEAS contributed to the reconstruction of Alexandria's ancient library, and
established a special fund to its project of "Dar EI-Adeeb EI-Misri" where great
Egyptian writers can be displayed. This effort amount to over $10,000 cash
donation to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

The Association donated several computers to. Egypt's Ministry of Education
to establish three Centers where secondary school teachers can be trained to use them.

An anonymous AEAS member has donated $10,000 to the Egyptian Minister of
Scientific Research restricted to cancer treatment research in Egypt.

AEAS has conducted several conferences in North America dealing mainly with
development in Egypt where the Egyptian Ambassadors in US and Canada served
as guest speakers.

AEAS has invited the two top students among Egyptian Secondary School graduates
to visit US major cities and historic sites, hosted by Egyptian-American families.

Several members participated in a study tour visiting main Egyptian cities and
meeting with some dignitaries there. Besides, AEAS has donated a few scholarships
to Egyptian-American students to take summer courses in Egypt.

Some grants and research fellowships have been offered to college graduates in
Egypt through AEAS members; and a pattern has been initiated to recognize and
honor distinguished scholars among our members.

AEAS has maintained a periodic newsletter including member news, opinions,
abstracts, budget updates, and other concerns. The newsletter mailing list has
been updated and enhanced to reach over 500 names.